Things you love about Universal...a great time for this thread again

[damo]

Every once in a while we do one of these. I think it is a good time to start again. I don't mean for people to put down their favourite rides but to state what things about Universal impress them and why do they keep going back.


For me, it is probably the fact that once I am at a Universal hotel, I feel that I am in a different world where everything that I could want is at my fingertips. I can walk to the parks to just come and go as I please. I can walk to Citywalk to shop or be entertained or eat. I can walk to other hotels to enjoy their pools and restaurants.

I just feel like I am in my own little piece of heaven where everything is just outside my hotel door. And I can do it without feeling guilty because I am breaking the bank!!!

 

[chataro]

I really love the way that Universal make their AP holders feel . . . . well . . . like they matter to them. I have been a holder for the past 7 years and I have no plans of letting them expire, economy willing.

I just like the fact that with my pass, not only do I get discounts on just about everything in the parks and at Citywalk, I also love it that at most times, they let you share your discount with others. (ie. HHN tickets, park tickets, special event tickets, etc.)

Plus, they really do go out of their way to give you just something extra with most "big" events that they have. I love the HHN passholder weekend because you just feel like your part of the park when you get to go into two houses early. The discounts on food are just an added bonus.

I've had other AP's from other places, and quite frankly, they were 4 times more expensive and besides free parking and entrance into the park, I just didn't feel like I was part of anything special. Universal makes me and my family feel special with all the little extras they do. I have no problem shelling out the money for something that to me, I get my money back in extras. Thank you US for making the AP holders feel important!!!

 

[lachica]

Not to mention preferred seating at some events or shows. Like right now preferred viewing area for Macy's Parade.

 

[Tinker-tude]

I love everything stated so far!

I also love the great theming and attention to detail. From both an artisitic and technical standpoint, it's a very immersive experience. The sights, the sounds, the feel. Especially at IoA. I spent a good chunk of time just walking down the streets staring at everything, admiring the realism in Jurassic Park, Lost Continent and the Market, the "you have stepped into a book" feel of Marvel Island and Suess Landing, and the beautiful resorts. It speaks of a great deal of time and effort that goes unseen by the guests. I'm so excited for our next trip!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AlexandNessa]

This reminds me that I need to renew our APs.

How could you beat 15-months of unlimited admission to both parks with no black out dates for $109+tax? That's < the cost of a one-day Disney hopper ticket.

I enjoy FOTL -- both kinds. FOTL as in unlimited express when staying at the hotel ... I love not needing a touring plan and not having to get up at the butt crack to ride my faves. And I love the real FOTL that the RIP/VIP tours offer.

 

[TIGGERGUY]

I love the way I am treated as an annual passholder.

I prefer the dining to WDW. Better food for the price and overall much better prices. Service is not rushed and friendlier than WDW.

I love how each section of IOA makes you feel completely immersed in the theme.

I love having CityWalk a WALK away from the parks.

I love Cinnabon inside and ouside the parks!!!!!!!

I love Grinchmas.

I loooooooooovvvvve Men in Black.

I loooooooooovvvvve the Horror Makeup Show.

And finally, I love that US does not take itself too seriously.

 

[Metro West]

I really love the way that Universal make their AP holders feel . . . . well . . . like they matter to them. I have been a holder for the past 7 years and I have no plans of letting them expire, economy willing.

I just like the fact that with my pass, not only do I get discounts on just about everything in the parks and at Citywalk, I also love it that at most times, they let you share your discount with others. (ie. HHN tickets, park tickets, special event tickets, etc.)

Plus, they really do go out of their way to give you just something extra with most "big" events that they have. I love the HHN passholder weekend because you just feel like your part of the park when you get to go into two houses early. The discounts on food are just an added bonus.

I've had other AP's from other places, and quite frankly, they were 4 times more expensive and besides free parking and entrance into the park, I just didn't feel like I was part of anything special. Universal makes me and my family feel special with all the little extras they do. I have no problem shelling out the money for something that to me, I get my money back in extras. Thank you US for making the AP holders feel important!!!

Very well written and I agree whole heartedly. The AP gets you something at Universal but doesn't do a lot at Disney.

 

[rpbert1]

I agree with all thats said. Love the themeing of the resorts, does not feel like you are staying at a theme park, also ,unlike Disney,you do not need to plan anything or book where you want to eat 6 months in advance. having the privelege of being able to walk from any of the hotels to the parks ,or citywalk for a nights entertainment, and a short walk back if you want a break during the day if you are in the parks.

 

[inkkognito]

I'm all about USF/IOA's treatment of its passholders. With my Premier, I get free valet, unlimited Express after 4 p.m., great discounts, and free HHN tickets. WDW has no equivalent. They also have cool passholder events like the Brendan Fraser appearance earlier this year. I sure didn't see Johnny Depp at Disney when "Pirates" premiered.

I also love the fact that USF is edgy and not afraid to take risks. I love HHN and go through withdrawal every year. I get sick of all the family-friendly Orlando attractions and love going somewhere geared to adults.

I love the "real" rides (as opposed to the "coasters" at Disney that aren't even close to real roller coaster thrills). Hulk and Mummy are tops, and I can't wait to try that new scream machine this spring.

I love the theming. I've never understood why some people said USF/IOA are not themed. They're an immersive experience from the moment you walk into the park.

 

[macraven]

first and foremost:


HHN
I'm completely and totally addicted to it.

for the rest of the year, everything that has already been said.

 

[donaldduck352]

first and foremost:


HHN
I'm completely and totally addicted to it.

for the rest of the year, everything that has already been said.

YOU Kill ME mac---HHN!!!!!

Same here


But I can go anytime I want and leave the rest of the world behind me once I walk in the gates..

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

The TMs

... and yes Mac - HHN too

 

[ky07]

I love all the themeing of Universal
The way the employees go out of thier way to help even if its not thier job and also love the onsite hotels
Just the overall relaxed feeling and the sense of you don't have to rush to get it all done in one day

 

[torinsmom]

This reminds me that I need to renew our APs.

How could you beat 15-months of unlimited admission to both parks with no black out dates for $109+tax? That's < the cost of a one-day Disney hopper ticket.

I enjoy FOTL -- both kinds. FOTL as in unlimited express when staying at the hotel ... I love not needing a touring plan and not having to get up at the butt crack to ride my faves. And I love the real FOTL that the RIP/VIP tours offer.

How do you get an annual pass for 15 months with no black out dates for $109? On their site, it looks like even the one WITH the black out dates are 139.99. I'd love to get a cheaper price, so we could go back next year for "free".

Marsha

 

[AlexandNessa]

How do you get an annual pass for 15 months with no black out dates for $109? On their site, it looks like even the one WITH the black out dates are 139.99. I'd love to get a cheaper price, so we could go back next year for "free".

Marsha

That is the renewal rate, since I already have my pass. And right now, they are running a special and notified me if I renew now, I'll get an extra 3 months, on top of my annual renewal. So my pass will expire 3/2010 instead of 12/2009.

 

[torinsmom]

Okay, so I am seeing they have a special from now until January 4 where you can get a Premier AP(no blackout dates) for 159.99. That is $40 off per ticket. It would save me some money if we end up going next year. If I buy APs now, would they be good for 365 AFTER I activate them?

THanks! Marsha

 

[Metro West]

Okay, so I am seeing they have a special from now until January 4 where you can get a Premier AP(no blackout dates) for 159.99. That is $40 off per ticket. It would save me some money if we end up going next year. If I buy APs now, would they be good for 365 AFTER I activate them?

THanks! Marsha

You mean the Preferred AP...not Premier. The Premier is never that cheap and has too many benefits for that price. You might want to check that special...as far as I know, only FL and GA residents can purchase the AP for the $40.00 off.

 

[torinsmom]

You mean the Preferred AP...not Premier. The Premier is never that cheap and has too many benefits for that price. You might want to check that special...as far as I know, only FL and GA residents can purchase the AP for the $40.00 off.

Man, that is kind of sneaky......it doesn't mention that until you click to learn more. It also says that these APs will automatically activate on 1/31/09, so it wouldn't work for two summer trips anyway.

Marsha

 

[Metro West]

Man, that is kind of sneaky......it doesn't mention that until you click to learn more. It also says that these APs will automatically activate on 1/31/09, so it wouldn't work for two summer trips anyway.

Marsha

No...I wouldn't concern myself with getting an AP right now for two years in the future. Universal runs AP specials all the time so wait and see what's coming.

 

[KStarfish82]

Atmosphere.....really unique.

Meal Deal!!! (Don't know if they still have this...)